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Three May Keep A Secret - A Sherlock Holmes Adventure
When a meeting with a client goes disastrously wrong, Sherlock Holmes soon finds himself involved in a case of murder with two dead bodies and too few clues.
From some clear pieces of glass and a raven's feather, the Great Detective must divine exactly who the client was and what prompted him to seek assistance at 221B. Fortunately, Holmes has a number of experts upon whom he can rely as well as his own vast store of esoteric knowledge.
Treading a twisted path, Holmes soon finds himself matching wits with an unseen criminal, who appears to be the equal of the late Professor Moriarty. At the same time, he is tasked with sparing the monarchy any possible embarrassment that may stem from the investigation.
It's a deadly game of cat-and-mouse that finds Holmes and Watson attending underground auctions, using rare and priceless artefacts as bait and holding a late night vigil in anticipation of deterring a theft, all the while trying to understand how a priceless antiquity fits into their investigation.
Like his previous books, Richard T. Ryan's Three May Keep a Secret is a deft blend of history and mystery, interweaving real-life personalities and ancient artefacts with the gas-lit streets of Victorian England and the characters of the Canon. The end result is a pastiche that should appeal to anyone who appreciates a tangled skein spiced with a healthy dollop of suspense and intrigue.
From some clear pieces of glass and a raven's feather, the Great Detective must divine exactly who the client was and what prompted him to seek assistance at 221B. Fortunately, Holmes has a number of experts upon whom he can rely as well as his own vast store of esoteric knowledge.
Treading a twisted path, Holmes soon finds himself matching wits with an unseen criminal, who appears to be the equal of the late Professor Moriarty. At the same time, he is tasked with sparing the monarchy any possible embarrassment that may stem from the investigation.
It's a deadly game of cat-and-mouse that finds Holmes and Watson attending underground auctions, using rare and priceless artefacts as bait and holding a late night vigil in anticipation of deterring a theft, all the while trying to understand how a priceless antiquity fits into their investigation.
Like his previous books, Richard T. Ryan's Three May Keep a Secret is a deft blend of history and mystery, interweaving real-life personalities and ancient artefacts with the gas-lit streets of Victorian England and the characters of the Canon. The end result is a pastiche that should appeal to anyone who appreciates a tangled skein spiced with a healthy dollop of suspense and intrigue.
264 pages, Hardcover
Published November 29, 2021
1 person is currently reading
9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 24, 2021
After having read this author's previous books, I am so excited to read his latest Sherlock Holmes pastiche! Once again, it did not disappoint! In fact, I think this was most probably my favourite one!
This story begins with the discovery of the body of man in Holmes' sitting room. There is not much clues for Holmes and Watson except for a few pieces of colored glass and a raven's feather. Later, when Inspector Lestrade seeks Holmes' assistance in the death of a jeweler, Holmes quickly sees the connection. The more they investigate, the more he realizes that their perpetrator seems to be the equal of the late Professor Moriarty.
Oh man, this was an intense cat-and-mouse game and I loved it! It was really well-written and well-researched and I think any Sherlock Holmes fan would devour this book! I loved the banter between Holmes and Watson, and as always I liked how every little thing that Holmes does has a purpose. And of course his exceptional deduction skills is always on point!
Overall, this was one delightful read and I look forward to reading this author's next Sherlock Holmes pastiche!
***Thank you author Richard T. Ryan for this gifted copy to read and review. All opinions expressed are my own.***
This story begins with the discovery of the body of man in Holmes' sitting room. There is not much clues for Holmes and Watson except for a few pieces of colored glass and a raven's feather. Later, when Inspector Lestrade seeks Holmes' assistance in the death of a jeweler, Holmes quickly sees the connection. The more they investigate, the more he realizes that their perpetrator seems to be the equal of the late Professor Moriarty.
Oh man, this was an intense cat-and-mouse game and I loved it! It was really well-written and well-researched and I think any Sherlock Holmes fan would devour this book! I loved the banter between Holmes and Watson, and as always I liked how every little thing that Holmes does has a purpose. And of course his exceptional deduction skills is always on point!
Overall, this was one delightful read and I look forward to reading this author's next Sherlock Holmes pastiche!
***Thank you author Richard T. Ryan for this gifted copy to read and review. All opinions expressed are my own.***
August 30, 2021
I do so love Richard Ryan's Sherlock adventures! From page one, you're transported back to a 19th-century London of hansom cabs, gas street lights, the clop of horse hooves on cobblestone streets, and the dynamic duo that is the great Sherlock Holmes and his companion in crime-solving, Dr. John Watson. The writing is stellar, the felicity of language instantly appealing. Ryan plots a steady, pleasing, engaging story with great deftness. Love it. Only Holmes could unmask a killer with only a feather and a few pieces of colored glass as clues, but he is the indomitable Sherlock Holmes. Great fun. Oh, if only the Diogenes Club were real. I'd so love to crash it. LOL.
November 9, 2021
The latest of Ricard T. Ryan’s Sherlock Holmes adventures, Three May Keep A Secret is, quite simply, his best work yet. While all of Ryan’s Holmes mysteries have captivated me, I think he’s taken his craft here to another level. I loved the pace of Three May Keep A Secret and the ease in which exposition is revealed through the natural-sounding banter between Watson, the great detective and various characters; the quickly-flowing dialogue taking you into the minds of our heroes and their environment. You feel like you’re right with them in the Baker Street apartment as Holmes considers every clue and Watson stands at the ready to help his brilliant friend. Ryan’s detailed research shows up in wonderfully described artifacts that are part of a vibrant and deadly game of chess played at the highest levels of the British and international art world of the 1800’s. As the story builds to several action scenes and the ultimate face-off with the villains you find yourself wondering which characters can be trusted and what stroke of genius by Sherlock Holmes will save the day. With Three May Keep A Secret, the game is afoot and the reader is along for a satisfying ride.
November 11, 2021
Grab your magnifying glass, pipe, and deerstalker, and jump into yet another of Rich Ryan's historical mysteries. Holmes and Watson are on the case, and you will happily follow along with Ryan's expertly and intricately woven tale. Not only is the story fast-paced and historically accurate in detail, but it beautifully captures the easygoing, warm-hearted friendship between Holmes and Watson. Take a hansom cab to 221B Baker Street, and enjoy Rich Ryan's latest. The game is afoot!
January 30, 2022
From beginning to end, Rich Ryan captivates the audience as he draws them into his well woven mystery. My cup of tea was forgotten and grew cold as I turned page after page, dreading to arrive at the last page, knowing the story would end. Well written and researched, this book is a piece of art itself.
October 29, 2021
Another enjoyable Holmes/Watson story from Rich Ryan! Interesting plot, worthy opponents for our heroes and I always enjoy the give and take between Holmes and Watson. Well done, Rich!
November 6, 2021
Another great Sherlock Holmes story from Richard Ryan. I am already looking forward to his next one.
October 30, 2021
This is my sixth Sherlock Holmes pastiche, and I think it’s one of my better efforts.
December 5, 2021
Richard Ryan’s latest Sherlock Holmes adventure, Three May Keep a Secret, is a skillfully concocted blend of history and mystery. When Holmes returns to Baker Street to find a man dead in his sitting room, the Great Detective has only a raven’s feather and a few pieces of colored glass as clues. Things take another unexpected turn when Inspector Lestrade asks him to investigate the murder of a jeweler, a few days later. However Holmes sees an immediate connection, and once again the game is afoot in this tale that offers some unexpected surprises – even for long-time fans of Doyle’s detective. Put it at the top of your TBR list!
December 25, 2021
A truley great story that puts you in the heart of Holmes and Watson as the dynamic duo thwart a fiendish plot, with the typical dialogue you would expect from Conan Doyle. Sprinkle a bit of humour and a troubled Lestrade along with a worried Mycroft, Wiggens and the Irregulars you have a excellent mix. The adventure takes place just after the Empty House Adventure it is as though you have moved into the next chapter written by Arthur Conan Doyle, a truley master stroke by Richard T Ryan, giving Dr John Watson the same role as narrator in this very well researched Medieval Art caper.
January 22, 2025
Being the first Holmes pastiche by this author I’ve read, I have to say I absolutely loved it. Taking us from Baker Street to the cultural world of museums and ancient artefacts, to the seedy world of the docks. I will definitely be reading his other Sherlock Holmes books.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews